apologetically

Examples

• All

• "All they had in their saddle packs was food, sir," Deegan added apologetically.

  Fiction book (1991)

• "All I was told was to bring these out here," the driver said apologetically.

  Fiction book (1992)

• At the time, city officials apologetically explained, "It's obviously a tiny offer."

  Academic text (2018)

• "I must get back to the school for dinner," said the priest apologetically.

  Fiction book (1991)

• "I guess it's tough, two of us in the family," Kevin said softly, almost apologetically.

  Fiction book (1994)

• "I can let you into this classroom," she says, unlocking a door, then laughing apologetically.

  Fiction book (1990)

• Bostwick shook his head apologetically as he hung up the phone.

  Fiction book (1995)

• "I'm not sure if I'm really suited for this job," Hugo said apologetically.

  Fiction book (1995)

• "Whoops," I muttered apologetically, hoping to see a don't-worry-about-it look in her eyes.

  Fiction book (1993)

• You could see it in their awkward, cordial gestures, in the way they smiled apologetically.

  Academic text (1993)

Synonyms

R

regretfully

vsapologetically

• Formal

13 3.8

Saying something while feeling sorry, often when you tell bad news

is used when someone expresses regret directly

R

ruefully

vsapologetically

11 6.9

In a way that shows you feel sorry about something you did

is a straightforward expression of regret without added pity

G

guiltily

vsapologetically

5 3.7

In a way that shows you feel you did something wrong

is the outward expression of regret rather than just an inner feeling

C

contritely

vsapologetically

1 7.9

In a way that shows you feel sorry and guilty for what you did

expresses regret but not always with clear sincerity or repair

R

remorsefully

vsapologetically

1 5.8

Showing that you feel very sorry for something wrong you did

expresses regret more generally and with less intense guilt

P

penitently

vsapologetically

1 7.2

In a way that shows you feel sorry for doing something wrong

expresses regret without the formal or humble self‑judgment element

R

repentantly

vsapologetically

7.7

In a way that shows regret for doing something wrong

expresses regret without implying a promise to change

Antonyms

U

unapologetically

8 6.4

In a clear open way that shows no regret or shame

How Apologetic

remorsefully

1 5.8

contritely

1 7.9

apologetically

8 3.9

sheepishly

11 5.1

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology